Preview: Jazz at Timberwolves

February 13, 2013|Reuters

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Preview: Jazz at Timberwolves

The Minnesota Timberwolves have struggled mightily since losing All-Star forward Kevin Love to a broken hand. Minnesota is just 4-16 since losing Love entering Wednesday's home game against the Utah Jazz. The Timberwolves hope to win their second consecutive contest when they face a Utah squad that is just 9-18 on the road. The Jazz delivered a splendid 109-94 home victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder on Wednesday. Minnesota defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers on Monday.

Utah stands seventh in the Western Conference despite its road struggles. The Jazz have lost their last three road games. Overall, Utah had lost back-to-back outings prior to the solid performance against Oklahoma City. Minnesota has faded badly since losing Love. "It's been a long month for us," guard Luke Ridnour said after the victory over the Cavaliers. "It's always tough. We're competitors. You want to win games. Losing - as much you don't want to say it - takes a toll on you. This is a good one for us."

TV: 8 p.m. ET, ROOT (Utah), Fox Sports North (Minnesota)

ABOUT THE JAZZ (29-24): Forward Paul Millsap had 18 points and 10 rebounds in the win over the Thunder for his first double-double since Jan. 30. It was a solid bounce-back performance for Millsap, who tallied just six points in Saturday's loss to the Sacramento Kings. Reserve guard Alec Burks has given the Jazz a boost by averaging 18.5 points over the past two games. Burks had a career-best 24 points against Sacramento and scored all 13 of his points against Oklahoma City in the second half.

ABOUT THE TIMBERWOLVES (19-30): Point guard Ricky Rubio had 13 points and 10 assists in the victory over Cleveland and has reached double digits in assists in four of the past five games. Rubio struggled after returning from major knee surgery but has been playing well by averaging 14.4 points and 10 assists over the past five games. Ridnour also is playing well, shooting 59.5 percent from the field and averaging 19.3 points over the last three outings. Guard J.J. Barea is back after missing a game with a foot injury and played 15 minutes off the bench against the Cavaliers.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. Utah routed Minnesota 106-84 on Jan. 2 for its eighth win in the last 10 contests against the Timberwolves.